RAWALPINDI: In a dominating display at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Peshawar Zalmi routed Quetta Gladiators by a massive 76-run margin in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.
Zalmi outclassed the Quetta Gladiators in all departments of the game, overshadowing their opponents as the Gladiators endured a significant defeat, severely impacting their net run rate (NRR).
Nevertheless, despite this huge loss, the Gladiators still have a straightforward path to the PSL 9 playoffs. Winning just one of their remaining two matches, against Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, would secure their spot in the playoffs.
Chasing the target of 197, Gladiators’ opener Saud Shakeel made an impressive start, scoring a rapid 24 off 12 deliveries before being dismissed by Mehran Mumtaz.
However, after Saud’s departure, the chasing side encountered difficulties, losing three wickets in the subsequent four overs.
Rilee Rossouw (8), Khawaja Nafay (5), and Omair Yousuf (10) failed to make significant contributions as wickets continued to tumble, resulting in the Gladiators being restricted to 120 runs in 17.5 overs, losing all their wickets in the process.
Saim Ayub, Luke Wood, Khurram Shahzad, and Mumtaz showcased impressive bowling performances, each claiming two wickets, while Naveen-ul-Haq and Aamer Jamal chipped in with one wicket each.
Peshawar Zalmi Innings
Opting to bat first, Peshawar Zalmi’s opening duo, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, provided a decent opening stand.
The quickfire 46-run partnership lasted until Ayub departed after contributing 30 runs off just 12 balls, followed by the skipper’s impressive half-century.
Mohammad Haris joined Babar for a solid 47-run stand, but his innings was cut short by a direct hit from Quetta Gladiators’ skipper Rilee Rossouw.
Haseebullah Khan fell to Abrar Ahmed in the 10th over after scoring six runs, followed by Babar Azam’s dismissal for 53 off 30 deliveries, trapped lbw by Akeal Hosein.
Tom Kohler Cadmore added a quickfire 33 runs before being dismissed by Mohammad Hasnain.
Akeal Hosein then wreaked havoc on Peshawar Zalmi’s lower middle-order, claiming a hat-trick in the 16th over, removing Aamer Jamal, Mehran Mumtaz, and Luke Wood.
Despite the setback, Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 28-run knock, coupled with Naveen-ul-Haq’s sensible 10 off nine deliveries, propelled Zalmi to a respectable total.
Akeal Hosein starred with the ball for Quetta Gladiators, finishing with figures of 4/23, while Hasnain, Abrar, and Sohail Khan chipped in with crucial wickets to restrict Peshawar Zalmi’s scoring.
